Northwestern College invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position (open rank) in visual art – graphic design starting in August of 2026. The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching visual art and graphic design courses within the department as well as our general education studio course for non-majors. The teaching load for this position is 24 credit hours per academic year, normally three to four courses per semester. Teaching duties may include Graphic Design I and II, Photography, Art History, and other design-related courses.
Required Qualifications: Candidates must hold an MFA degree in visual arts or closely related field and demonstrate effective teaching at the undergraduate level. Those with non-MFA master’s degrees and at least five years of professional graphic design experience are also welcome to apply. The successful candidate will demonstrate a keen ability to connect with our vibrant undergraduate students, sustain an active program of artistic output, and contribute to the life of the institution through faculty committees and other co-curricular service.
Preferred Qualifications: Given the graphic design program’s internship requirement, strongest consideration will be given to candidates who have prior work experience in the field and can build a network of relationships with local practitioners. Experience in gallery management or directorship is also a plus.
Our Department: Northwestern’s department of art and design features four majors (graphic design, art, art therapy, and creative industries) while also serving students from a number of other programs. We are housed in a beautiful 13,500 square foot visual art center boasting studio areas, classrooms, a Mac lab, gallery space, and the equipment to teach all facets of our art majors.
Northwestern College seeks candidates with an authentic Christian faith who will embrace and live out our mission & values, including our Reformed, evangelical and ecumenical identity as stated in our Christian Identity Statement, Mission Statement, Vision for Learning and Vision for Diversity. We view these statements as complementary and draw from each in fulfilling our mission.
Apply online and send a current CV and a letter of interest to vpaa@nwciowa.edu. In your letter, (1) summarize your teaching experience; (2) describe your scholarly trajectory; and (3) discuss how our Christian Identity Statement would inform and shape your teaching and scholarship.
Application review will begin on March 10.
